At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and lead complex negotiations for aerospace components.
- Company: Evolito, a pioneering company in electric propulsion for aerospace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, growth opportunities, and a chance to impact sustainable aviation.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with ambitious growth plans and innovative projects.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team revolutionising air transportation for a net-zero world.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, supplier management, and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Evolito’s mission is to accelerate the adoption of electric propulsion in aerospace applications in support of a net‑zero world. We will help revolutionise personal mobility and transform our towns and cities with clean, noise‑free air transportation. Evolito develops and manufactures class‑leading, lightweight, high‑power, and high‑torque‑density electric propulsion systems for a range of aerospace markets, including EVTOL, unmanned aerial vehicles and general aviation. As well as ultra‑high performance, low‑weight electric motors and controllers, Evolito specialises in high‑integrity, bespoke battery systems for the aerospace and defence markets.
The team is scaling rapidly and has ambitious growth plans over the next twelve to eighteen months. As we continue to scale, we are strengthening our supply chain capability with a Senior Buyer who excels in supplier relationship development, commercial negotiation and risk‑based procurement to support Engineering and our aerospace certification testing roadmap. Reporting to our Head of Supply Chain, you will play a critical role supporting technologies at TRL 4+ through to industrialisation, driving supplier engagement and commercial strategy for components, engineering services, certification critical activities and industrial readiness.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic Supplier Relationship Management
- Build strong, trust‑based relationships with suppliers supporting Engineering, Testing and industrialisation activity.
- Engage suppliers suitability across TRL 4+, prototype development, certification testing and pre‑production phases.
- Develop supplier relationship and contract management plans, including KPIs, structured reviews and improvement actions.
- Monitor supplier capability, capacity, operational risk and suitability for certification and industrialisation requirements.
- Commercial Negotiation & Contract Leadership
- Lead and deliver on complex commercial negotiations for engineering services, prototypes, certification test services and strategic components.
- Develop, negotiate and manage service contracts and supply agreements that consider certification milestones, technical scope, data/IP, compliance and delivery risk.
- Drive strong commercial positions using understanding of cost drivers, market conditions and supplier capability.
- Ensure contractual commitments reflect aerospace quality, traceability, safety and regulatory expectations.
- Strategic Procurement Decisions
- Analyse insourcing and outsourcing options analysis in line with business plans, core competencies, requirements and capacity.
- Lead sourcing decisions that assess capability, cost, schedule, certification risk and industrial scalability.
- Prepare and present business cases for complex or high‑risk procurement activity.
- Maintain and contribute to supplier and supply chain risk registers, leading targeted mitigation plans.
- Embed risk‑based decision making across all procurement strategies, especially for certification critical and industrialisation critical suppliers.
- Supplier Project Management & Engineering Support
- Lead sourcing and supplier onboarding for engineering design, validation, testing and certification work packages.
- Support supplier delivery across prototype, certification test phases and industrial readiness.
- Manage end‑to‑end procurement for engineering, testing and aerospace critical commodities.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Test, Quality, Compliance and Programme teams to ensure supplier deliverables meet technical and certification objectives.
- CIPS Level 5 or equivalent; MCIPS preferred.
- Experience supporting engineering teams through TRL 4+ development cycles towards industrialisation.
- Demonstrated experience managing suppliers within highly regulated environments.
- Proven ability to lead complex negotiations that deliver significant benefits.
- Ability to draft and implement robust, risk‑balanced commercial agreements.
- Ability to assess procurement risks and make informed decisions aligned to engineering and certification needs.
- Ability to translate detailed technical requirements and statements of work into strong commercial and contractual positions.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills.
- Strong analytical capability, including cost driver analysis to support negotiation strategies.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience using ERP systems.
- Knowledge of AS9100 or ISO9001 environments.
Senior Buyer in Bicester employer: Evolito Limited
Evolito is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers employees to contribute to the future of electric propulsion in aerospace. With a strong focus on professional growth, Evolito offers ample opportunities for career advancement and skill development, all while working in a dynamic environment that prioritises sustainability and cutting-edge technology. Located in a vibrant area, employees enjoy a supportive atmosphere that encourages creativity and teamwork, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Bicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the aerospace industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with supplier relationship management and commercial negotiations. Tailor your pitch to show how your background aligns with their mission of revolutionising electric propulsion.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Evolito’s projects and values. Understand their focus on TRL 4+ development cycles and be ready to discuss how your procurement strategies can support their ambitious growth plans. This will show them you’re genuinely interested and invested in their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining the team at Evolito. Let’s get you that Senior Buyer role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer in Bicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your experience in supplier relationship management and commercial negotiation, as these are key for us at Evolito. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in a regulated environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about electric propulsion and how your background aligns with our mission. Be sure to mention your experience with TRL 4+ development cycles and how you can contribute to our growth plans.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:We love candidates who can demonstrate strong analytical capabilities. Include examples of how you've assessed procurement risks or conducted cost driver analysis in previous roles. This will show us you can make informed decisions aligned with engineering needs.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at Evolito.
How to prepare for a job interview at Evolito Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Evolito's mission and products. Understand their electric propulsion systems and how they fit into the aerospace market. Being able to discuss specific technologies or projects will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led, especially in regulated environments. Be ready to discuss how you achieved significant benefits through your strategies. This will demonstrate your capability in commercial negotiation, which is crucial for the Senior Buyer role.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you can build trust-based relationships with suppliers. Prepare to discuss your approach to supplier relationship management and how you've successfully engaged suppliers in previous roles. This will highlight your interpersonal skills and strategic thinking.
✨Risk Management Know-How
Familiarise yourself with risk-based procurement strategies. Be prepared to talk about how you've assessed procurement risks in the past and made informed decisions that align with engineering and certification needs. This will show that you understand the critical nature of the role.
